This article is designed to manipulate you—yes, you—into picking up a book right after reading this. Why? Because reading isn’t just a hobby; it’s a superpower. So, challenge yourself: finish this article and grab the nearest book. Yes, the one habit that we are talking about is – what everybody you admire does, from Warren Buffet to Bill Gates- Reading Books. We have laid out five of many essential reasons why you should read and answered all your lazy concerns about not picking a book already. Your brighter, funnier, and cooler self is just a page away. Here you go!
1. Story Time
Reading – This mentally stimulating activity has more advantages than you can possibly think of. Let’s start with a story to establish our point.
Once upon a time, a young boy, troubled by his inability to remember what he read, sought advice from a wise saint. After listening to his situation, the saint handed the boy a woven basket and asked him to fetch water from a nearby river. The boy tried repeatedly, but the water slipped away each time. Frustrated, he returned to the saint, who smiled and pointed out that the basket, though still unable to hold all the water, was now spotless. “Reading,” the saint explained, “is like this exercise. Even if you don’t retain everything, the process cleanses your mind and enhances your understanding, making you wiser.”
The parable of the boy and the woven basket offers a profound lesson about the value of reading. Often, people dismiss the habit of reading because they find it challenging to remember every detail. However, the act of reading itself brings numerous benefits that extend far beyond the retention of information.
Read what you love until you love to read – Naval Ravikant
2. Did You Know That Books Heal?
Quite literally, Bibliotherapy is recognised as a complementary therapy, often used as a supplement with other forms of treatment, to promote mental health, well-being, and personal growth. This ancient Greek practice recognised the healing abilities of books in the 5th century and used book prescriptions as one of the vital tools to help people cope with distress and anxiety. Some of most recommended bibliotherapy books are as follows:
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
The Guide by R.K. Narayan
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
3. Books Boost Your Creative Quotient
A study by Yale University proved that reading literary fiction enhances emotional intelligence by increasing the ability to understand others’ mental states. The study by David Comer Kidd and Emanuele Castano found that participants who read literary fiction performed better on tests of the theory of mind (the ability to attribute mental states to oneself and others) than those who read non-fiction or nothing at all. Here is a practical anecdote. Meet Shruti, a bright and ambitious young professional. She often found herself entangled in conflicts and misunderstandings. One day, her mentor suggested she read literary fiction to improve her emotional intelligence. Shruti began with novels like “The Great Gatsby” and “To Kill a Mockingbird,” allowing her to enter the characters’ shoes and experience their emotions. Shruti noticed a significant shift in her ability to understand and connect with others as she continued reading. She became more empathetic, and her relationships with colleagues and friends improved dramatically. Want to be Shruti? Pick a book.
If you don’t like reading, you haven’t found the right book yet – J.K Rowling
4. Books as Immense Knowledge Sources
Books are incredible sources of knowledge and insights, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the lifelong work of an author or scientist within just a weekend. Imagine internalizing decades of research, experience, and passion into a single volume; it’s like having a personal conversation with the author throughout their intellectual journey. This ability to access and absorb such concentrated wisdom is a testament to the nurturing power of reading. Each page allows you to benefit from the countless hours of hard work and dedication, making it a profoundly enriching activity. Imagine spending a weekend reading a book by your favorite author. Let’s say it’s a book on gardening, and the author has spent 20 years growing plants and learning about soil. By reading their book, you can learn everything they know in just a few days! This is the power of reading.
The reading of all good books is like a conversation with the finest minds of past centuries – René Descartes
5. Imaginative Power of Books
Fiction books have a magical way of sparking our imagination, transporting us to new worlds, and introducing us to characters that feel like old friends. As we turn the pages, our minds begin to wander, making up vivid images of fantastical landscapes, mythical creatures, and daring adventures. With each new story, our imagination expands, allowing us to envision alternative realities, consider different perspectives, and dream up innovative solutions. Through fiction, we can experience the thrill of flying with dragons, exploring enchanted forests, or solving mysteries alongside detectives. By tapping into our creative potential, fiction books empower us to think outside the box, challenge our assumptions, and unleash our inner storyteller. As we immerse ourselves in the world of fiction, we discover that the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, and our imagination knows no limits.
I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library – Jorge Luis Borges
I am sure we made a great attempt at convincing you to start reading. We are also going to assist you with the process of reading with our intriguing content and we’re excited to announce that book review articles are coming soon! Stay tuned for in-depth reviews, author insights, and thought-provoking discussions on the latest releases and timeless classics. Whether you’re a bookworm or just looking for your next great read, our book reviews will be your go-to guide. Follow us for updates and get ready to discover new worlds, one book at a time!